Community Corner
Senior of the Year Served Country, Hopatcong
Has been a member of Seniors, Inc. for 25 years
When Kenneth Murison met his wife, Adele, neither was a spring chicken. Both were around 70 years old, and neither was looking to waste any time.
They married quickly after meeting.
“We both felt like it was our last chance,” said Murison, a member of Seniors, Inc. (as is Adele), and one of the group's two Seniors of the Year.
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Murison's been a member of the Hopatcong seniors group for 25 years, and was awarded the title in recognition of his longtime involvement and volunteerism.
Murison, 92, is, according to board member Flo Commander, “one of our few remaining members who served in World War II.”
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He served in the Navy and was stationed in the Philippines; these days, he's a member of VFW Post 10101 in Hopatcong.
Murison is also a member of the local Knights of Columbus. He's also a member of , where he regularly played the organ at Sunday Mass.
In 1954, Murison and his first wife, Helen (who has since passed away), built a summer home near Bear Pond. Three years later, they moved out of Belleville and made it their permanent residence.
They joined the seniors club together in 1986 after Murison retired as an auditor for the state of New Jersey. Early on, Murison was an active member of the seniors club. He served for many years on the executive board, including as president for two years in the 1990s. He worked with fellow board member Commander to update the group’s bylaws. He called the Bingo games and played piano regularly at monthly social events.
Admittedly moving a little slower these days, he said he still calls Bingo game once in a while, and plays the piano when the mood strikes.
Both Murison and Adele come twice a week to have lunch with the Golden Lunch Bunch , nd once in a while they stay around for an afternoon of games (especially Bingo). They also attend the three yearly club dinners at The Arlington, in Mount Arlington.
But they've put the group's trips behind them, Murison said.
“Our legs are getting rickety, so we don’t go anymore,” he said.
